Dr. Costello is excellent with his patients (especially the “skittish” ones), his friendly staff is compassionate and highly competent, and the office atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing. What more could you ask? I was fitted for a full set of dentures over the past summer — which of course required the extraction of ALL my teeth! — and although I was somewhat nervous and fearful the entire experience turned out to be completely painless and stress-free. And now I have a smile I can be truly proud of!

While You Were Sleeping (or trying to)

ARE YOU SLEEPING AS WELL AS YOU’D LIKE? If you said “no”, you’re not alone. A 2011 poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that nearly two thirds of adults say their sleep needs are not being met. Two thirds! Even more surprising is this: your sleep deprivation may have something to do with your oral health. Really.

Sadly, we can’t solve all of your sleep problems, but there is one major sleep impediment that we CAN help with, one that you may not even know about…

Sleep Bruxism

Bruxism is defined as the involuntary or habitual grinding of teeth, typically during sleep. 70% of people demonstrate some kind of bruxing behavior, and for at least 8% of adults, it can cause major problems.

Are You A Sleeping Bruxist?

Since it usually happens during sleep, it may be hard to know if you’re grinding your teeth. Rest assured (no pun intended), here are some symptoms of bruxism you will want to watch out for:

Constant waking while sleeping

Regular headaches

A sore jaw or neck

Worn-down, flattened teeth

Do your family members grind their teeth? Bruxism may be hereditary.

If you are experiencing any one of these things, let us know! We want to help. Your oral health, and your sleep, are important to us.

How Bruxism Affects Your Oral Health

In addition to being the third most frequent sleep disorder, bruxism can also cause major damage to your teeth and dental work. It can result in fracturing, loosening, and even tooth loss. It also puts a lot of strain on your jaw and cranial muscles, which can lead to more serious problems. So, and perhaps most importantly, let’s talk about prevention.

How To Avoid Teeth Grinding

Cut back on caffeine, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.

Don’t chew on anything that is not food (pencils and pens are for writing).

If you suspect that anxiety contributes to your bruxism, ask us, or your doctor, about options to help reduce stress.

Other Tips For A Better Night’s Sleep

If you have any questions about night guards, or about the effects of bruxism, call us. We want to help you get the beauty rest and the beautiful smile you deserve. You can also comment below, or on our Facebook page. We love hearing from you!